However, rapid urban growth and expansion of food production are putting pressure on disposal and treatment systems throughout the region. Africa’s urban population is expected to increase by 450 million people by 2040. To manage, countries will need to match this growth with new infrastructure, such as wastewater treatment.

For this reason, GRID-Arendal is working with UN Environment and the African Development Bank on a project that will profile, as well as identify opportunities for private and public sector investment in wastewater management and sanitation delivery in Africa.

Treated wastewater can be used to irrigate crops and pasture for farm animals and for cooling processes in industrial plants such as boilers. Non-potable urban uses of wastewater include toilet flushing and firefighting, while environmental uses include groundwater recharge, and wetland enhancement and stream flow augmentation for recreation purposes.

Read the Press Release here